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Students chatting outside Wollongong College Australia |
Unique preparation program helps students step up
UOW’s unique Special Tertiary Entrance Program (STEP) to UOW helps students who were disadvantaged in some way during school, to sit equally alongside other undergraduate students at UOW.
STEP to UOW is a two-semester bridging program at Wollongong College Australia (WCA), which helps develop academic skills in preparation for university.
It is for students in the University's drawing area, as well as regional areas in NSW. WCA Campus Director Lynette Harris said that STEP is a unique and important program that helps students develop the skills that are necessary to succeed at university.
“The students in the program have the potential to succeed at university, they just need the initial "step up" that the program provides,” she said.
“They develop skills in researching and writing essays and giving presentations. They learn those important academic skills of learning how to learn and how to critically analyse information.”
“Also, because WCA is on the campus of the University, students quickly become familiar with the facilitates and services that are available and they feel very comfortable and confident in the University environment when they start their degree studies.”
Ms Harris also said that the STEP to UOW program is helping UOW to achieve government targets.
“The University is committed to achieving the government target of 40% of 25 - 43 year olds having an undergraduate degree by 2020, and the STEP program enables students from low socio-economic backgrounds to sit equally alongside other undergraduate students at UOW,” Ms Harris said.
How to apply
The criteria for STEP to UOW include financial hardship, disrupted schooling, home and environment responsibilities, English language difficulty and personal illness/disability. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students may also apply.
To apply please download the STEP to UOW application guide and WCA prospectus. Please apply directly to Wollongong College Australia. Application forms can be obtained online or by contacting 1300 367 869.
Applications for STEP close in January.